CCCTC Students Compete at DECA International Career and Development Conference

Pictured, from left to right, are Elizabeth Dunsmore, Jesse Kruis, Chris Young Jr. and Kilee Hanes. (Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD — Four members of the Clearfield County Career & Technology Center DECA Chapter recently traveled to Atlanta, Ga., to attend DECA’s 68th annual International Career Development Conference. The meeting was held May 3-6, with more than 17,000 high school students and advisors from around the world attending.

Elizabeth Dunsmore, Jesse Kruis and Chris Young Jr., all of Clearfield, competed in the Learn and Earn event with their DECA Discount Card project.

Kilee Hanes of Curwensville attended the Senior Management Institute. This elite leadership academy included participation in the Executive Mentor Program, where she had the opportunity to interact with high-profile executives from DECA’s National Advisory Board and other top companies.

The DECA ICDC opening session featured pro football and college football hall of fame inductee and entrepreneur Fran Tarkenton. In addition to career-based competition and academics, DECA members engaged in networking opportunities with more than 60 internationally recognized businesses.

When they weren’t actively participating in the conference, the CCCTC DECA members made a trip to Six Flags Over Georgia, the Georgia Aquarium, Coca-Cola World and the CNN Center. They also enjoyed a private DECA-only concert with Brett Eldridge and Easton Corbin at the Georgia Dome.

“DECA has been the best experience of my entire high school career,” said Jesse. Chris agreed, “Even though this was my first and only year participating in DECA, this experience has changed my outlook on how I view business and the world.”

“We would really like to thank the businesses that helped us make the trip to Atlanta,” said CCCTC DECA Advisor Lauren Hopkins. “CNB Bank, Lezzer Lumber and Vistar all made generous donations to assist us funding the trip. Also, Bernard L. Owens Auctioneer generously let our students sell their DECA Discount Cards during one of their auctions. We greatly appreciate the support local businesses give our DECA Chapter.”

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA enhances the preparation for college and careers by providing co-curricular programs that integrate into classroom instruction, apply learning, connect to business and promote competition.